Benefits of Using a Mobility Scooter

By Jeff Hill, 9:00 am on June 20, 2016

Over 6.8 million Americans who live independently use assistive devices to help with mobility. These devices include canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Though mobility scooters are perhaps the least used of these tools, they also require the least amount of effort and have proven to be helpful to seniors in many ways. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly care in Phoenix, discusses a few of these benefits.

Prevents Serious Falls

According to the National Safety Council, falls remain the number one cause of injury-related deaths for adults over age 65. These accidents are generally the result of past injuries, muscle weakness, and health conditions that affect balance. A mobility scooter can give your loved one the ability to move around indoors and outdoors with a much lower risk of a life-altering accident.

Encourages Independence

The inability to complete chores and run errands can be heartbreaking for seniors who are used to a much greater sense of independence. When they are no longer able to carry out these daily tasks, many seniors develop secondary emotional issues such as depression and anxiety. Modern scooters are more ergonomic than ever and can be taken practically anywhere imaginable, with ranges of up to 25 miles on a single charge.

Helps During Recovery from Injuries

As we grow older, our bodies replicate cells at a much slower rate. This means injuries often take a longer time to heal, and most of that time should be spent resting. Unlike other mobility devices that require seniors to continue putting weight on their joints, a mobility scooter is as comfortable and relaxing as sitting in a chair. Injured seniors can carry out daily tasks while past wounds continue to heal.

Provides Transportation for Socialization

The importance of social interactions for seniors can never be overstated, but limits in mobility can make it difficult for them to reach out to family members and friends. Instead of waiting for these individuals to visit him or her at home, your loved one can use one of these scooters to get proactive about maintaining a social circle. Weekly social interactions can reduce your loved one’s risk of countless conditions and disorders, ranging from Alzheimer’s to high blood pressure.

Though a scooter can be helpful in increasing your loved one’s mobility, there are many other ways he or she can get from point A to point B. One way is by receiving transportation from a professional caregiver. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 to take your loved one to the doctor’s office, the grocery store, a friend’s home, and many other locations. We also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and post-stroke care Phoenix seniors can rely on. For more information and to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 602.388.1085.